<p>At the risk of adding to Penn State fatigue, I was wondering what your kids are saying to you about this? </p>
<p>My college junior hasn't breathed a word to me.</p>
<p>(Note -- My intention is not to start another discussion on the merits of the case. There are at least 5 other threads going on the subject. Thanks.)</p>
<p>Actually had a long and interesting conversation with S about this. As an athlete, he’d clearly given it quite a lot of thought, especially with reference to the ‘sport-industrial complex’ that has evolved at some schools and what a ‘family-like’ culture can mean on a sports team-for better and for worse. </p>
<p>What surprised me was that none of the coaches at his school seemed to think that this was a ‘teachable moment’ worthy of some discussion with the teams. I’m wondering if coaches at other schools have talked to their teams about this.</p>
<p>According to game day coverage yesterday (so take it for what it’s worth) Coach Mike London spoke with his team at UVa. As a former police officer and detective his view is very unique and his message was clear. If something goes on that is against the law, law enforcement is contacted each and every time.</p>
<p>M’s Mom, that’s interesting @ teachable moment. If I were a college president, I would insist on gathering together every soul connecting with the program – coaches, players, band members, water boys – and laying down the law about reporting. Because after this, excuses like “I told my superior” or “I thought someone else took care of it” or even “I was afraid I’d lose my job” won’t pass the laugh test.</p>
<p>Teachable moments like this CAN help make some good come from this tragedy and hopefully spare many victims down the road. Let us hope that schools take this opportunity to re-examine and put policies into place to help improve protections for reporters and make that the new norm.</p>
<p>My D, a college junior, who is interested neither in football nor current events (I know, the latter kills me), has mentioned nothing. My S, out of college and a big football fan, has had tons to say, and all of it contempt for Paterno and co. He said everyone knows how corrupt big-time college football is, but this is far beyond the norm. The first day the scandal broke, he said “Paterno should be out of a job by the end of the week, and in jail by the end of the year.” S has very high standards and expectations for human behavior, and is constantly disappointed. I would never have spent a penny to send either kid to a big party/football school–I hope this will convince them to take the same approach with their own children.</p>
<p>S has been BIG into following college sports. Have not heard from him at all for about a week. He’s always been somewhat of a cynic, so won’t be surprised if this just makes him more cynical.</p>
<p>My kids DID attend a big football/party school, USC. I believe they got very good educations, even with the football/party culture. S was able to secure a good job & we have hopes D will when she graduates as well. They DO have good academics and great faculty at the school. We have no regrets about the academic talent there and awesome academic programs and opportunities. We paid many pennies, dollars and everything else.</p>
<p>My 19 year old S has long maintained that college-sports-worship is a very bad thing. When the Penn State story hit, he simply said, “See, I told you.”</p>